The Gathering Place
Honour First Nations Communities
A truly collaborative project that celebrates local tradition, materials, and talent.
Aboriginal gathering places are designed to enhance support services and serve an important role for Aboriginal students and their communities on campuses all over B.C. The gathering places promote and preserve Aboriginal culture, history and are a resource for the community and students.
AFC Construction proudly constructed The Gathering Place at the Port Alberni and Campbell River campuses of North Island College.
These unique structures recognize and honour local First Nations communities. Both are traditional west coast, open-sided structures. The timber frame roof is supported by massive cedar logs harvested in partnership with the Hupacasath and Tseshaht First Nations. True craftsmanship shows in the timber joinery.
At the completion of this community-based project, a traditional blessing and peeling ceremony was performed. The two structures exemplify local tradition, materials, and talent.
“The concept initialization and development process for this building has been an enlightening one. The initial visioning sessions were an opportunity for employees of the college and non-Aboriginal participants to listen and learn the metaphors that would aid in creating a sense of belonging and identification for aboriginal people.”
Vivian Hermansen, NIC’s Director, Aboriginal Education.
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